James Shih Fong Feng, 1932-2021
James “Jimmy” S. Feng, 89, of Montreal, QC passed away Friday, June 4, 2021.
Visitation -including online hours- scheduled Saturday, June 12, is detailed below.
Born in Shanghai, 1932, James was the second son of six for parents Henry & Ruby Feng. The family’s migration to Hong Kong saw completion of his first BA plus a relentless pursuit for Graduate studies and opportunities abroad. By 1958, armed with a Bachelor of Laws from Taiwan University Law School, he arrived in Canada. By 1960, Montreal’s McGill University would confer his Masters in Law. He would also successfully pass the Quebec Bar exam on the first try. Decades of statistics confirm even today, 1 in 5 law graduates fails to earn entry into the Bar, even upon re-taking the exam.
In January 1968, James’ acceptance into the Bar of Montreal prompted local recognition as the “first non-Canadian-born Chinese admitted to the practice of law here.”
[The Montreal Star, by W. Wardwell titled,
“Chinese here excel in careers and Lawyer Feng is example” -22 Jan. 1968-]
Community accolades would follow over the decades, most notably for the dedication, fundraising and professional expertise throughout the construction and re-establishment of the Montreal Chinese Hospital, 1986-1999.
James was predeceased by his parents (in Vancouver, BC) and three siblings: Charles of Hong Kong, William in Montreal and the family’s youngest who perished in Shanghai at age-10.
Married in 1961, James is survived by beloved spouse Lorenza, affectionately nicknamed “Tina;” daughter Lila with son-in-law Tom Greulich in Fort Worth, TX; son David with daughter-in-law Jenn Santamaria, grandsons Gianni and Nico in Manasquan, NJ. Surviving siblings include Johnny -Toronto- and George -Vancouver- with extended family throughout Canada and overseas.
His final care is provided by Centre Funeraire Cote-des-Neiges, 4525 Ch. de la Cote-des-Neiges, Montreal, QC H3V 1E7.
Visitation is scheduled Saturday, June 12, 1:30-8PM, EDT (underground parking available). Pandemic protocols may respectfully limit duration of attendees’ presence and prohibits any service at this time. We appreciate your understanding.
Online Visitation will also be available 5-8PM EDT, June 12. Kindly contact family for website-link and private password.
A Celebration of Life ceremony may be scheduled, details of which may become available during this posting via DignityMemorial.com. Or, contributors of online condolences may be updated directly. Your shared memories are a gift and are greatly appreciated by the family.
If desired, contributors may also commemorate James S. Feng’s memory with a donation to the Montreal Chinese Hospital.
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